2019 BMW X7 leaked in patent images

The upcoming BMW X7 has been leaked in patent renderings this week, obtained by a Brazilian automotive publication.

Motor1 Brazil found the filing on Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property website, containing a series of images supposedly confirming the exterior design of the new X7.

As expected, the new SUV flagship looks quite a lot like the Concept X7 iPerformance previewing it at last year’s Frankfurt motor show.

The tall, long body will help to maximise passenger and luggage space, and given the X7 will be a full-size seven seater, that’s no bad thing.

Up front there’s a tall interpretation of the BMW double-kidney grille – which recently debuted on the new-generation X5 – while the slim headlights that extend into the grille remain very true to the concept.

Out back the slim light signature features again for the tail-light clusters, joined through the centre by what appears to be a chrome strip.

We reckon both the front and rear lighting systems will be full-LED units, with optional Matrix LED and/or Laser light technology available.

No images of the interior were included with the patent filing, but it’s believed the X7 will feature a cabin layout much like the new X5, albeit with a higher roofline and more space for passengers.

When it launches either later this year or early next, the X7 will become BMW’s first competitor to the likes of full-size luxury SUV’s including the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover, and Audi Q7. High-spec versions will also aim to steal sales from the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

In terms of powertrains, the X7 is expected to offer a range of turbocharged six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines depending on region. One of these will almost certainly be the 340kW/650Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 seen in the X5 xDrive50i.

Given the Concept X7 iPerformance featured a plug-in hybrid system, we’re sure a PHEV option will be offered at some point too – something that will be key to the X7’s success in markets like China with strict emissions regulations.